FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Hackers across the world can get into your home desktop or laptop computer, even access your web camera. It's scary and it's happening right here in Southwest Florida.
A recent hack became one man's nightmare.
"He claimed to have stuff that would ruin my life, that's what he said."
He didn't want to be identified, but told Fox 4 that last week he opened his computer, seconds later, his phone rang and his Skype account popped up. "He had control of my computer because he started speaking to me through my computer."
The hacker connected to him through a personal cell phone and laptop. He knew the last 4 digits of his bank account and social security number. The hacker listed the names of his family members and commented on what he'd seen through his web cam.
The hacker claimed to be in Syria and demanded money, threatening to release all of the personal information he had if he didn't.
He refused to send the hacker money. He immediately got new bank accounts, cleared his computer and hasn't heard from the man again.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.
Beth Schell with the sheriff's fraud department said this man is not alone. They've seen other hacking cases like this and the criminals are hard to track down. "Unfortunately it's difficult for law enforcement to track where these things are coming from."
So how do you prevent yourself from becoming a victim? According to authorities-cover your webcam when you aren't using it, make sure your passwords are strong, and constantly update your antivirus software.
